3rd of July Dinner and Fireworks

It has always been a family favorite since moving here to go watch the fireworks on July 3rd at the golf course. Claire looked so cute in her patriotic outfit that day.

We fed the family dinner before heading up the hill.

The guys had hauled all the blankets and chairs up earlier so we got our favorite spot as usual. We were so happy Ben had come to town for the long weekend. Logan and Spencer really attached themselves to their Uncle Ben as will be evidenced later in the post. Here are some pictures of our fun time at the golf course.

Fun Independence Day celebration a day early.

Quotes of the Week

"And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same."
-- Nelson Mandela

"If you had started doing anything two weeks ago, by today you would have been two weeks better at it."
-- John Mayer

"Every storm, no matter how big and strong, passes eventually. Just know and remember that your spirit is much bigger and stronger than any storm that comes your way, and that all storms will fall apart long before you ever would."
-- Doe Zantamata

First Two Days of Fun With Jacob's Family

Jacob's family arrived safely in town after driving all through the night from Omaha.

Pizza lunch before heading over to the splash pad.

It was super hot that day and all the kids were anxious to get in the water. Just as they were charging to get wet, the water stopped for the potty break that happens every hour. What a great moment to take advantage of a group photo shot.

The sun was so bright everyone was squinting. I absolutely love the two little cousins in front sizing each other up. So cute!!

Back row: Jeff, Eli, Luke, Natalie, Emma. Front row: Jacob, Logan, Carson, Spencer, Caroline, Rebecca.

Finally! Everybody run!!!

Seth and Dezi Allen's second son, Cole, got baptized that afternoon. Worked out perfectly for Jacob and Seth to get together again.

This picture symbolizes what great friends they were back in Georgia and apparently still are today.

The two guys all grown up with wonderful wives and 5 children each. Quite the group!!

Monthly family birthday dinner was at our house the next day.

I told everyone at this table to look at me and smile. Dennis really is smiling at me--looking in the mirror you can see his smile.

After dinner entertainment was Natalie and Brooke showing us their excellent hula hoop skills.

Caroline was one of the June birthdays. Rebecca made the cutest Dora cake for her.

Jacob's kids were really hoping they could get sung to and be able to blow out a candle in honor of their birthdays because they are never in town for their actual birthday months.

Brooke, Caroline, Eli and Andy had legitimate June birthdays. (So did Bryce and Caleb who were not there.)

After blowing out the candles, there were lots of goodies for dessert.

Amanda, Maggie and Rachel love babies and enjoyed getting a snuggle in with Claire.

Laurie, Natalie and Emma were the after dessert entertainment. They made balloon animals for everyone. Brooke loved everything they made and wanted to keep everything for herself.

It appears Carson, Eli and Logan found something more exciting than the balloons to hold their interest. It is impressive they were all sharing the same toy.

Stay tuned for more fun times with Jacob's family in town.

Quotes of the Week

"I don't believe you have to be better than everybody else. I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be."
-- Ken Venturi

"You can have anything you want, if you want it badly enough. You can be anything you want to be, do anything you set out to accomplish if you hold to that desire with singleness of purpose."
-- Abraham Lincoln

"For true success ask yourself these four questions: Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?"
-- James Allen